Mast

The vertical spar — originally timber, today commonly aluminium or carbon — from which the mainsail is hoisted.

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Related M-terms

Mizzenmast

The shorter mast stepped aft of the mainmast on a ketch or yawl.

Mainsail

The principal sail set on the (main) mast of a sloop, cutter, ketch, or yawl.

Marlinspike

A tapered metal spike used to loosen knots, open rope lays, and work splices.

Masthead

The top end of the mast, often carrying a wind instrument, anchor light, VHF antenna, and …

Mooring

A permanent ground tackle — anchor, chain, and buoy — to which a vessel can secure instead…

Maststep

The fitting (on deck or on the keel) into which the foot of the mast is stepped.

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